Greek Style

The mercury hit a perfect 28 degrees today so my husband and I took a drive down to Lorne, a stylish coastal town with a very good Greek restaurant that sits overlooking the pier. It is painted in typical Greek style with lots of white wash and bright blue trim. It is all a bit rusty and run down but that just adds to the character. We had lunch at an outdoor table under a sun umbrella watching the fishing boats bob up and down. 

Greek recipes from Donna Hay magazine

We ordered this amazing seafood platter which was absolutely overflowing with King prawns, oysters, lobster, scampi, mussels and scallops. Everything is freshly caught and it all tasted even better when washed down with a glass of chilled, white wine. After a glass or two, I could have sworn I was on a Greek Island!

Inspiration from the Greek Islands

Xox

Melissah
Images via Donna Hay website, Artsytime Blog

Provincial Living

As an interior designer, I love decorating in the French Provincial style. I like the mix of easy elegance and rustic charm. I think it works equally well for coastal, holiday houses as it does for grand period homes around town. I like things that have a timeless, pre-loved feel about them - nothing too new and shiny. I think pieces that are bit worn and frayed around the edges have added character and personality. I love the look of old stone, recycled timbers and antique furniture. I love the feel of natural fibres like hemp, cotton and linen in earthy tones such as beige, bone, cream and taupe. These colours all come into their own when mixed back with lots of white.

 

 

Xox

Melissah

Images via Sanctuary, Greige, Elle Decor, Haute Design, 

Costume Design for 'The Tourist'

Oscar-winning costume designer, Colleen Atwood, is well known for  creating  outrageous and theatrical  costumes for films like 'Alice in Wonderland',  'Edward Scissorhands', 'Chicago' and 'Nine'. She recently has given the challenge of creating costumes for the thriller 'The Tourist', starring Angelina Jolie as British  Interpol Agent, Elise and Johnny Depp as an American tourist in only ten weeks. She wanted to dress the characters in classic, contemporary clothes that would  compliment and not overwhelm the breathtaking  settings of Venice and Paris.

Her inspiration for Angelina’s lady-like wardrobe were old Hitchcock films like 'Rear Window' and 'Vertigo'... simple and elegant. Their were only twelve main costumes for Angelina in the film. Accessories and jewellery played an integral part in Elise's classic look. Ferragamo designed all of Angelina’s shoes for the film and even created a special limited edition “Elise” stiletto that’s now  available in store. Her jewellery all came from Asprey's of London.

 

Xox

Melissah

Princess Anne

The following Vogue fashion story for the November Issue with Anne Hathaway is sublimely elegant. Shot on location in Paris and New York by my favourite photographer Mario Testino. Mario has managed to capture the sophistication and glamour of a by-gone era that I really love. Jewels by Van Cleef and Arpels, Cartier and Chopard. Evening gowns in duchesse satin and silk faille are fit for a princess, long satin gloves and crystal embossed clutches by Roger Vivier and Jimmy Choo all add to the sparkle of a night on the town! Who better to escort Anne than French actor Raphael Personnaz?

Happily Ever After

In Oscar de la Renta at Maxim's

In Carolina Herrera

Wearing Isaac Mizrahi in Paris

In Isaac Mizrahi at Maxim's

Marchesa - images via American Vogue

Xox

Melissah

Happy Valentine's Day

This post is dedicated to my perfect husband who does an amazingly good job of putting up with me because, unlike him, I am far from perfect!! To the love of my life 'Happy Valentine's Day'! I hope everyone has a lovely, indulgent day and if no-one goes out and spoils you ...spoil yourself!

 

  

 

Xox

Melissah

Bon Apetite!

I have incredible weakness for French food - not just the obvious irresistible pastries and macarons from the likes of Laduree but I am in love with french cheese and warm, crusty French baguettes. I am addicted to pate de foie gras and French champagne. On Saturday mornings there's nothing better than fresh croissants and the morning paper and in winter I can't get past steak with bearnaise sauce and pommes frites or a hearty french stews like 'coq au vin' in creamy white wine and garlic sauce. Mmmm, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,     

Valentine's Day Reminder

This is just a little reminder to my husband that tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Not that he would forget or even leave it to the last minute...but just in case! I always say it's better to be safe than sorry! I also say that you can never go wrong with a bunch of roses, French champagne, a box of chocolates or dinner at your favorite restaurant. It's not that any of us need a reminder that we are loved all year round but it 's a nice excuse to get dressed up, go out for dinner, be spoilt and indulge in a little romance!
 

 

Xox

Melissah
Images via Tumblr, Pinterest, Photobucket

Valentine's Day Treats

With Valentine's Day only a couple of days away, what a lovely excuse to get in the kitchen and bake a Valentine's Day treat for someone special. Bake your favourite cookies and cut them out with a heart shaped cookie cutter or make a cake in a heart shaped tin then ice it with chocolate or strawberry frosting and finish it off with sugared roses on top. How special would you feel tucking into some of these delicious home baked treats on Valentine's Day! Here are few inspiring ideas to get you started.

Melissah xox

 

Images via Martha Stewart and Ciao Bella